Representation against Derogatory Remarks on CA Fraternity by Rajasthan State Tax Service Association

The Jaipur Chartered Accountants Association has made representation before Smt. Diya Kumari Ji, the Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister of the Government of Rajasthan regarding Derogatory Remarks on CA Fraternity by Rajasthan State Tax Service Association.

The Text of the Representation is given below:

The Jaipur Chartered Accountants Association, write to you with great concern regarding certain derogatory remarks made by the Rajasthan State Tax Service Association (Reg. No. 102987/2018) Press note issued dated 12-09-2024 towards the Chartered Accountant fraternity. These remarks were made in response to a legitimate grievance raised by one of our members regarding corruption within the department. As a responsible and professional body representing the interests of the Chartered Accountants, we feel it is imperative to address this issue constructively.

We wish to bring the following points to your attention:

1. Professionalism and Ethical Responsibilities of CAs: Chartered Accountants (CAs) are governed by strict ethical codes under the guidelines of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). Any suspicion of corruption or malpractices is not just a concern for the business community, but also a matter of professional integrity for CAs. When a CA raises concerns regarding corruption, it is in the spirit of upholding the law and ethical practice, and they should be treated with respect.

2. Freedom to Express Concerns: CAs, as professionals, are critical stakeholders in the proper functioning of the GST regime. We have the responsibility to identify and report inefficiencies, including corruption. However, the derogatory remarks made against our fraternity undermine this responsibility and deter professionals from reporting genuine grievances.

3. Negative Impact on Investment Climate: Rising Rajasthan Summit 2024 The derogatory remarks and underlying issues of corruption have the potential to send a negative message to potential investors, both domestic and international. With the Rising Rajasthan Summit 2024 scheduled for 9th-11th December under the visionary leadership of our Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Bhajanlal Sharma Ji, Rajasthan is positioning itself as an attractive investment destination. However, instances of corruption and the disparaging treatment of professionals such as Chartered Accountants can create doubts about the ease of doing business in the state. This not only tarnishes the image of Rajasthan but also hinders the government’s efforts to attract significant investment and foster economic growth.

4. Addressing Corruption: Corruption in any public department, including the GST, can have a crippling effect on taxpayers’ trust and business operations. We strongly believe that highlighting such issues helps the department improve its functioning. We request the department to recognize that our intent is not to malign but to assist in creating a transparent, corruption-free system.

5. Need for Constructive Dialogue: Rather than making derogatory comments or undermining the position of CAs, we urge the department to engage in constructive dialogue. By working together, both CAs and the GST Department can address issues more effectively, ensuring smoother processes for all stakeholders.

6. Request for Immediate Action: We request the department to investigate the incident where derogatory remarks were made and take appropriate action against the concerned officials. Such behaviour not only tarnishes the reputation of the department but also discourages collaboration between professionals and authorities.

7. Mutual Respect and Cooperation: We believe that mutual respect is the cornerstone of any professional relationship. We seek a collaborative approach where both the GST Department and Chartered Accountants can work together for the betterment of the tax ecosystem in the state. We trust that this memorandum will be taken in the right spirit and that necessary action will be taken to address our concerns. We are confident that with collective efforts, we can achieve a corruption-free, transparent, and efficient GST regime.

8. Preserving Rajasthan’s Investment Appeal: With Rajasthan rising as a key hub for businesses and investments, it is essential that departments like GST uphold the highest standards of transparency and professionalism. Any sign of internal corruption or conflict with professionals can create doubts in the minds of investors. We request that urgent measures be taken to ensure that the state continues to project a positive, investor-friendly image, especially ahead of significant events like the Rising Rajasthan Summit.

We trust that this memorandum will be taken in the right spirit and that necessary action will be taken to address our concerns. We are confident that with collective efforts, we can achieve a corruption-free, transparent, and efficient GST regime, further promoting Rajasthan’s growth and investment potential.

For Official Representation Download PDF Given Below: